NASA’s proactive measures include experimental missions like the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), which targeted the asteroid Dimorphos in 2022. The mission demonstrated the capability to deflect asteroids away from Earth by colliding the DART spacecraft at high speed, altering the asteroid’s trajectory.
“The impactor blasted over 1,000 tons of dust and rock off the asteroid, ejecting numerous boulders from the system,” NASA reported, showcasing the potential effectiveness of such strategies in planetary defense.
As NEO 2024 MK approaches its closest encounter with Earth, NASA continues to monitor its trajectory closely, reaffirming its commitment to planetary defense and public safety. While the current risk assessment remains low, ongoing advancements in asteroid detection and deflection technologies remain critical for future protection against potential cosmic threats.
